CHILDREN have used their school's environmental and recycling intiatives to help out a hospice in County Durham.
Year 2 pupils at St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, in Chester le Street, visited their local St Cuthbert’s Hospice charity shop to donate dozens of items collected from home as part of their ongoing environment and recycling projects.
The school began taking part in eco-projects after last year’s COP26 conference and hope to take steps to become plastic free in the future.
About 30 pupils, including four children who make up the school’s Eco Council, walked from their school to visit the shop.
They hand delivered more than 36 bags worth of donations such as clothes, jigsaws, children's toys and games - enough to fill one of the large sorting cages in the shop.
Pupils from St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School
Shop Manager Amy McAllister said: “We were absolutely delighted when the school contacted us to let us know about their project. It’s great to see the children learning about the environment, sustainability and recycling and reusing.”
“The donations are fantastic quality and we were amazed at just how many we have received.
"Some of the donated toys will be bought by other children to play with who might then also donate them again, continuing the circle of recycling.
"It's a great initiative for the school and we’re grateful to be part of it.”
Money raised at the shops helps to charity to provide free care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, people approaching the end of life and people that are bereaved.
A large group from the class have also litter picked with their families in parts of Chester-le-Street in response to Cop26 and made eco-friendly Christmas decorations for the school governors.
Teacher Mrs Lucia Fox said: “We would like to thank our children and families for their wonderful support both in and out of school.
"They have been so generous with their time and charitable donations, and it is greatly appreciated. We hope the children will continue to think of new ways to be environmentally friendly in the future.”
Shop Manager Amy McAllister and Volunteer Jenny Cowell
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